Performer: Aigul Akhmetshina

The Royal Opera Orchestra produce a revelatory reading of Shostakovich’s eclectic score; a fine performance from Eva-Maria Westbroek and excellent acting from the whole cast light up the drama and farce.

Interesting ideas and a brilliant orchestral performance aren't enough to overcome a visually dull staging, predictable choreography and a lack of chemistry between the protagonists.

Paring the action down to just four singers, La Tragédie de Carmen is the perfect vehicle and venue for a handful of the Royal Opera's Jette Parker Young Artists to strut their stuff.

S’attaquer à Rossini implique de comprendre son alchimie – en somme, de se souvenir qu’il ne peut exister sans qu’on mobilise la légéreté et la tenue, le souffle et la précision.